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India trade mission “successful,” says minister

Oneil Carlier, local MLA and agriculture and forestry minister, meets with representatives from the India Pulse and Grain Association and Alberta’s New Delhi Office at the 2018 Pulse Conclave in New Delhi, India (Submitted | GoA).

Oneil Carlier, agricultural and forestry minister and Whitecourt-Ste. Anne MLA, described his recent trade mission to India as "successful" with positive implications for local agriculture producers.

During his visit, Carlier met with potential investors from India, traders and government leaders to discuss a "robust agenda" during the seven-day trade mission last month. Alberta producers and businesses also went on the mission.

"I think India is a huge market. They're poised to be the third largest economy here in the next few years," Carlier said. "It's important that the Government of Alberta is there promoting good products that we have, the good products I know that they want from us."

In 2017, Alberta's agriculture trade with India was worth about $82 million. India also represents Alberta’s largest export market for pulses, which include dried peas and beans.

Carlier also addressed the tariff that India imposed against Canadian pulses in November, such as the 50 per cent tariff for peas. He said producers in India that he spoke to understood Alberta's concerns.

"It's obviously a very high tariff," Carlier said. "I believe the current issues around tariffs are just a bump in the road. Once we get across that bump, we can continue with the good trading opportunities that we have."

Carlier added that many residents in the Whitecourt-Ste. Anne riding are involved in pulse growing.

While the trip primarily focused on agriculture, Carlier said that forestry was also discussed. He noted that India had a strong demand for pulp and that Millar Western had already done some exporting to the country.

"As India becomes more affluent, as their middle-class grows, I think there's going to be more of an appetite for the good wood products that we have here as well," he added.

Carlier noted that his trip to India last year was the first time an Alberta agriculture and forestry minister had officially visited the country. He also mentioned the large number of new Canadians that have immigrated from India.

"Our relationship with India is solid," he said. "We have a strong cultural tie and friendship tie to India. We can build on that."